don't want to, but you force me to it. I'll have no goings-on with Fred
Ryley. Understand that. And I'll have no more idling about. You
girls--at least you two--are bone-idle. Ethel shall begin to go to the
works next Monday. I want a clerk. And you, Milly, must take up the
housekeeping. Mother, you'll see to that.'

Leonora reflected that whereas Ethel showed a marked gift for
housekeeping, Milly was instinctively averse to everything merely
domestic. But with her acquired fatalism she accepted the ukase.

'You understand,' said John to his pert youngest.

'Yes, papa.'

'No more carrying-on with Fred Ryley--or any one else.'

'No, papa.'

'I've got quite enough to worry me without being bothered by you girls.'

Rose left the table, consciously innocent both of sloth and of light
behaviour.

'What are you going to do now, Rose?' He could not let her off
scot-free.

'Read my chemistry, father.'

'You'll do no such thing.'